Amid sectors, Nifty PSU bank index gained nearly 1.5 percent after the government on Wednesday approved a capital infusion of Rs 48,239 crore into 12 public sector banks (PSBs). Central Bank of India, Syndicate Bank, Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India and Bank of India surged in the range of 4.2-9.2 percent.

Globally, MSCI’s broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan was steady in early trade, hovering just off their highest since early October.

Australian shares gave up early gains, last trading 0.1 percent lower, meanwhile, Japan’s Nikkei was down 0.3 percent after closing at a two-month high during the previous session.

US Federal Reserve minutes affirmed it would be “patient” on interest rate and risk assets got a lift from hopes of further progress in US-China trade talks. Fed officials also signaled that they will soon lay out a plan to stop letting go of $4 trillion in bonds and other assets and said they expect to keep rates steady for now but left room for hikes later if conditions improve.